MAIN FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMENT

15.4: ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE

 Current standards of animal welfare in this country are generally high, and will improve further with the elimination of sow tethering and battery cages.

Is tethering worse than bullying in an open shed! Need to critically analyse issues and present both sides of debate.

16.3: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ALONG THE FOOD CHAIN

 It is imperative that stronger and clearer links across the food chain are established between farmers and processors and between processors and their customers.

Need to explain to farmers why we need quality assurance - they must be part of the team and not feel lectured to. Currently, we lecture!

16.5: FACING THE CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY

 It is particularly important that the beef industry should place itself in a realistic position to compete with live exporters for high-grade cattle. It is essential that realistic grade pricing be put in place immediately.

Essential that we pay for quality - this is a simple solution that will bring the result required.

17.1: IMPROVING COST COMPETITIVENESS IN MAJOR ENTERPRISES

 Our response to this situation must involve a determined drive to improve competitiveness by:

- improving efficiency on existing farms, in particular through investment in physical and human capital;

- improving farm structures; and

- developing and implementing new and improved technology through research and advice.

Essential to get scale at farm level.

17.5: CHANGING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

 Consideration should be given to strengthening the training conditionality for development and other grants, as recommended by the ESRI.

Firmly support this point.

18.5: CONTRIBUTING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

 A ‘Code of Good Farming Practice’ should be developed by DAFRD in consultation with the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

All interested parties should be involved. Let everybody buy into & be part of developing such a national code. Draw expertise from different industry sectors.

19.2: DEVELOPING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

 Trade organisations, including retailer, processor and farmer organisations, in the agri-food sector should establish expert groups to examine ICT developments, and to identify and promote best practice.

Firmly support.